At least 7,000 farmers under the banner of the Navanirman Krusak Sanghathan on Thursday gathered at Jenapur in Jajpur district in protest against the apathetic attitude of the State Government towards the sorry plight of farmers.
Addressing the agitated farmers, Nava Nirman Krusaka Sanghatan coordinator Akshay Kumar alleged that Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is dancing to the tune of big industrial houses. While farmers are committing suicide, the Government is sitting silent in Bhubaneswar. Failure of the Government to implement its promise of total waiver of crop loans has led to an alarming situation. Such is the callous attitude of the Government that it isn’t moved by the plight of farmers owing to lack of insurance cover.
The farmers' leader threatened that the Sangathan would step up its State-wide stir if the Government fails to give “price, prestige and pension” to the farmers.
Kumar also demanded that the State Relief Code be revised keeping in view the situation of heavy crop loss. A survey should again be made and correct figures should be given so that every farmer gets the compensation package.
Former MP Somyaranjan Patnaik stated at the meeting that many farmers are sore at the lack of response from the State Government.
The meeting was also addressed by Rabi Das, Natabar Khuntia, Rashmiranjan Swain, Umakanta Moharana, Nimai Charana Ray, among others. The meeting was held to commemorate the 78th anniversary of the famous farmers’ rally organised by noted freedom fighter and former Chief Minister late Nabakrushna Choudhury on September 1, 1938 against the British Government, Zemindars and Rajas.